Who are you photographing for?

[@heinzhagenbucher4714]

Dear Graeme I always live your great videos, and the thoughts they bring forward. But this one touches my soul, and my inner thoughts. The last year I withdraw from all the sharing of my images. Not that I think they are worthless, but more so, being to critical myself. I've started doing now film, and my own development, which is not easy, to learn such a complex subject. But it gives me the power, and fun of learning more about photography, mainly the technic. None of them, are worth showing, since it's mostly about trying, and learning. And I enjoy it. Please keep up your great work, and have a lovely weekend.

[@PhotoConversations]

Dear Heinz Many thanks. We all go through stages...maybe you will come to a place where you would like to share the work again.

[@jimphilpott902]

We live, we relate, and we create. The satisfaction of creating is the icing on the cake. A person without a hobby is missing a crucial element of existence. Whether it is a plan or an unforseen opportunity, when the shutter opens and closes a possibility arises in which one can take satisfaction. Thank you again for helping us focus on what is important.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Jim Well put!

[@retropixer]

I photograph for people from whom I seek approval and appreciation, including and primarily myself. In the end, all that everyone wants is to know and feel that they matter.

[@carole2077]

Thanks. What I want has changed as I get older. I was a full time photographer but lost my passion. I stopped taking photos .I am no longer interested in trying to keep up with the latest camera and technical innovation. I’m tired of seeing photos of subjects that are all in focus but so boring. It’s great that cameras can freeze frame action but many photos I am seeing all look very homogenised. I 100% agree with you about the importance of having a hobby.

[@PhotoConversations]

Maybe just take one picture this month and one again next month until you feel like doing something that gives you passion.

[@carole2077]

@@PhotoConversations Thanks for replying. Great idea 💡 I went to a talk about cyanotype last week and made my first exposure outside in the sun. It was so much fun. I will follow your advice and I appreciate your taking time to get back to me. It’s 4:30 am in NZ and just had a wonderful storm to listen to.

[@dodahlberg]

Funny thing this is... very often I have a particular person in mind when I'm out shooting and selecting the negatives or files I want to work on. Interesting concept. A personal imagined audience of one.

[@crowdedairways]

Yes indeed! You answered a question I never knew I should be asking. How insightful. Thanks

[@PhotoConversations]

Glad that I hit the note!

[@Rlancup]

Very important topic actually never discussed. Thank you for that 👍

[@tommartin9731]

Thoughtful and insightful. Just the kind of videos I seek out. I couldn't care less about "10 pro tips for great composition," or "Must-have gear for your kit."

[@michaels7889]

Like a good book I can't put you down.

[@PhotoConversations]

That's so nice, thanks

[@channamasala]

thank you for sharing your thoughts, experiences and insights. so very much appreciated.

[@DREES56_TRR-qw2vr]

thank you for sharing these personal insights Graeme and for commenting on the motivations of why we shoot....................personally, coming back to photography after a "lifetime" in the corporate world I am enjoying translating the creativity I used in producing new and different presentations, and client focused solutions, into creating imagery that means something to me. I will admit that I "struggle" to create more than documentary images but I am challenging myself to see beyond the surface beauty of architecture or nature and explore different in camera & post processing techniques to, hopefully, deliver something that artistically represents my vision of the world around me. Looking forward to your next video!

[@grahamrichards8531]

I personally connect with this great comment, I've been working at it for 4 yrs but still haven't broken through, however, the use of this video as self analysis is really good, thank you Graeme.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi It is always a cyclic process - one day you will find you are looking and photographing in a different way...or you will decide that what you are doing is perfect for you.

[@b991228]

I only photograph for myself but I want my photographs to the very best possible. What that means is that I have to satisfy the most demanding of critics. Myself!

[@PhotoConversations]

Yes, always the harshest.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

So true, so true Glad you explained the difference between pro and amateur. IMO a pro's is someone who's substantial part of his or her income is generated by photography. This however doesn't say anything about quality and or quantity. Therefor videos with titles like ' do this or that like pro's do' I reject. Shoot for yourself in the first place if it is not a paid gig. When others like it too, it's a nice bones. Comments are only useful if they are substantiated positive as well as negative. Learn the rules and then forget about them. Be creative. Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks RS

[@johnyoung1606]

Introspective for You, Chilling, n Thought Provoking for Others...... :) :( :)

[@stansabev]

Thanks for posting this Graeme! Greetings from Bulgaria 🇧🇬⏳

[@PhotoConversations]

Hey Stan Enjoy Bulgaria

[@michaels7889]

This is something that can backfire a bit uncomfortably. For several years I was photographing for my daughter, also a good photographer with an independent eye. Then I discovered she was seeing it competitively and was uncomfortable in that she felt herself inadequate, I think technically. It was hindering her own development. But basically I have the luxury of photographing for myself and those images I see as the most successful, regardless of frequently being regarded as unfashionable. They are rarely images of anything but strongly images more than photographs, and about the intuitive(?) experience that stimulated me to take the camera out of my pocket or my bag. They sometimes also arise from a previous response, the image having passed through several stages of imagination, as would a painting.

[@PhotoConversations]

It is difficult for someone young to know what they're doing , because the technical stuff gets in the way - but that is just part of the process. It sounds like you are creating within your own space.

[@almostgreen9498]

Wow Graeme, this brought tears to my eyes. Beautifully said.

[@PhotoConversations]

It sounds like tears in a good way...so I'm glad.

[@danielrao3120]

Excellent video. Lots to think about and explore. Thank you.

[@terencelaubach6565]

Your work is among the best work in this medium. Thank you

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Terence

[@sstarr1310]

Thank you!

[@Elaleruiz]

Thank you very much!

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

Great video. I have been surprised by the fact that people have been attracted strongly to shots that I wouldn't necessarily consider my best work, ,though I obviously like them because I took them. Something spoke to them. I guess it shows the pointlessness of trying to second guess what people might want.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi yes, but it is always a challenge to get passed the 'approval' of others.

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

@@PhotoConversations True, We are none completely immune. I imagine working with a photo editor will be equally revealing when learning which photos they belive to be the best.

[@sharvo6]

thanks!

[@thomaseriksson6256]

Thanks for the information. My problem is finding time to photograph. I've been walking 2 hours every day for a month with a camera Fuji X-T1+ 55-200mm lens and taken zero pictures. I still haven't tested my new camera Nikon D850 that I bought last summer and we won't talk about the lenses that I also bought but that I haven't tested yet

[@PhotoConversations]

Next time just take some bad pictures. It might inspire you to take better ones.

[@thomaseriksson6256]

@@PhotoConversations I will try that

[@thomasberner6164]

What a sad story. I think You don‘t need to “test” your gear. The gear is OK. Hearing that people are “testing” always is shaking me. The answer of @PhotoConversations is spot on. Just take pictures. Perhaps it gives you more joy if you print some of them to have a real result. That could lead you into a process of taking more pictures. And don’t only “test” your printer 😉.

[@thomaseriksson6256]

​@@thomasberner6164 I don't have a printer. I tried using a printer service a few years ago but the colors were too saturated.. My PS computer broke a year ago so I don't have the old PS license anymore and I need to find an alternative and I might have to get a new Eizo monitor. But first I have to take pictures again. My problem now is lack of time after the holidays are over. I have 3 new cameras to test a used D700 which replaced my 13 year old D300 when it broke, a used D800E and a new D850. Two older cameras that I got cheap from a friend Fuji X-Pro 1 + 18-55mm which replaced a compact camera and Fuji X-T1 + 55-200mm which I hate but which I use to decide whether to buy one used 400mmF2 .8 lens.